Luckily I’ve been able to continue but it’s hard when you’re injured – and not just physically. There is the mental side, dealing with the suffering and not being able to do what you want to do – just having to go into survival mode.

But then there are the ways it affects your time off the bike.

After a stage we get back to the hotel at 6.30pm but then I’ll have physio and a massage before dinner. Then I have to get up earlier than normal for more physio, so it eats into your rest and your legs don’t recover. It’s a vicious circle.

It’s also been tough to deal with how it’s affected my role with the Team Sky squad.

This year I really worked on my climbing and getting lighter, chipping off the weight so I can be around to help Chris and Richie Porte on those last climbs.

But the injury has totally knocked me back. This is my fourth Tour and I’ve made progress every time but this has been like going back to my first in 2007 overnight.

After years of progress it’s just been about survival.

But the peloton has been supportive and there’s been huge encouragement from fans at the roadside and on social media and things like that really do help.

My role in the team has changed with my work coming earlier in the day but, as the race has progressed and the injury has improved, I’ve been able to contribute more.

But Chris showed his class and what good form he’s in by controlling Movistar on the final climb.

In Nairo Quintana and Alejandro Valverde they have the second and third best climbers in the race but didn’t really attack Froomey. They were riding for second and to distance Richie but doing that so early shows their respect for Chris.

They’ll come again when we hit the Alps. It will make for a good race to watch, if not ride in. But hopefully, by then, I’ll be back and playing a greater role as we get closer to Paris.

Follow Geraint on Twitter @GeraintThomas86

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